Early Start Program — Harnessing the First 1,000 Days for Lasting Development
Screen • Detect • Support • Strengthen Development Early
What is the Early Start Program — and why it matters
The Early Start Program at Answer for Autism is a specialist early intervention package for infants and toddlers (6 months to 3 years) who show developmental delays or early signs of autism. Built on the science of neuronal plasticity, the program focuses on the period when
the brain is most adaptable — the first 1,000 days — and uses targeted therapies to shape healthier developmental trajectories.
Why this matters:
- Neuronal plasticity in early life allows targeted input to strengthen useful synaptic connections and support healthy pruning of unused connections.
- Early therapeutic input can reduce long-term developmental gaps in speech, language, social communication, sensory processing and cognition.
- Parent-mediated, natural-context learning produces stronger generalization — skills learned at home transfer into daily life, play, and future schooling.
- Speech & language develop fastest when language modeling and responsive interaction are embedded into everyday routines.
Core elements of the program — evidence-based, clinically driven
Our Early Start Program delivers a blended, individualized plan using proven methods:
- Neurodevelopmental assessment to map strengths and early needs
- Sensory integration therapy to organize sensory input and support attention, feeding and regulation
- Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) and NDBI-informed play to boost engagement and early communication
- Occupational & Speech-Language Therapy focusing on oral-motor, feeding, vocalizations and first words
- Parent coaching & home plans so caregivers can create daily learning opportunities that maximize speech and social gains
We follow a neuroscience & evidence framework — stimulating specific brain pathways through developmentally appropriate play and interaction to promote speech, social cognition, emotional regulation and learning.
How Early Intervention Shapes Brain Development
Early targeted therapy influences two crucial processes:
Research consistently shows:
- Synaptic strengthening: Repeated, meaningful experiences strengthen the neural pathways that underlie communication, attention and social learning.
Adaptive pruning: As useful pathways strengthen, less-used connections are pruned, making the brain’s networks more efficient.
When intervention begins early (within the first 1000 days), connections are denser and more malleable, which increases the likelihood of faster gains in speech, language, social engagement and adaptive behavior.
Our clinical expertise
Answer for Autism is led by senior clinician Ms. Vasudha (MOT — Neuroscience) and a multidisciplinary team with international training in NDBI, sensory integration, RIT, oral placement therapy and child development. We combine:
- 20+ years of clinical experience with thousands of families internationally
- Evidence-based clinical reasoning to design targeted plans
- Child-friendly, play-based therapy that engages infants and toddlers
- Parent empowerment as the heart of our model
This blend of global expertise and parent-centered care ensures high-quality early intervention accessible to families everywhere.
Step-by-step: How therapy works (Assessment → Plan → Sessions → Tracking)
- Referral or Inquiry & Intake — Quick screening and scheduling.
- Comprehensive Assessment — Neurodevelopmental, speech-language, sensory and functional capacity evaluation; written report with clear priorities.
- Individualized Early Start Plan — Clinically reasoned goals, play-based activities, and family-centered home plans.
- Parent Coaching + Therapy Sessions — Live coaching, modeled strategies, and therapist-led sessions (online & in-center). Parents practice language modeling and routine-based strategies daily.
- Progress Monitoring — Regular tracking of speech, language, social and sensory gains; adjustments using clinical data.
- Transition & Inclusion Support — When ready, we support transitions to preschool and inclusion pathways with school-readiness strategies.
Parent support & training resources
We provide rich resources so parents feel confident and effective:
- Hands-on workshops & webinars: Language modelling, responsive interaction, feeding and sleep strategies.
- Structured home-practice guides: Daily routine scripts, visual supports and play ideas to build vocabulary and joint attention.
- Ongoing coaching: Regular virtual check-ins and supervised practice sessions.
- Parent support community: Peer groups, Q&A clinics, and caregiver stress-management resources.
Parent-led therapy means children get more language exposure, and parents learn to reduce behavior triggers while increasing communication opportunities.
Measurable outcomes — what families typically see
Families who engage fully in the Early Start Program commonly report:
- Earlier and increased vocalizations, first words and functional phrases
- Better attention & joint attention skills enabling more learning moments
- Reduced frequency/intensity of meltdowns due to improved regulation
- Parent Coaching + Therapy Sessions — Live coaching, modeled strategies, and therapist-led sessions (online & in-center). Parents practice language modeling and routine-based strategies daily.
- Faster progress in play, social engagement and feeding
- Greater parent confidence, reduced caregiver stress, and stronger family routines
Success Stories
“We noticed babbling turn into words within months. The home-based language modeling tips were simple yet powerful — our child now attempts words during play!” — R. (Parent, Mohali)
“The Early Start team taught us how to use routine moments for language. Our child is more engaged, sleeps better and has clearer vocalizations.” — S. (Parent, Punjab)
“Working with Ms. Vasudha changed our outlook — the program felt scientific but incredibly practical. Progress was steady and meaningful.” — International Parent
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what age should I seek an Early Start assessment?
If you notice early signs (limited eye contact, delayed babbling, reduced social smiling, repetitive movements, feeding challenges), seek assessment as early as 6 months. Early action delivers the greatest benefit.
Will therapy actually change the brain?
Early, targeted intervention takes advantage of neuroplasticity—consistent, meaningful input strengthens beneficial neural pathways and supports adaptive pruning, improving function over time.
Is the program suitable for nonverbal children?
Yes. The program emphasizes pre-linguistic skills, vocalizations, joint attention and oral-motor work to create the foundations for speech.
How much parent involvement is needed?
Parent participation is central. We train parents to embed language modeling and strategies into daily routines. Families who practice consistently see faster, generalized gains.
Is the program available online?
Yes. We offer virtual assessments, coaching, and therapy modules to support families globally and locally in Mohali.
How do you measure progress?
We use standardized developmental measures, functional outcome tracking, video-based observation and written reports to track speech, language, social and sensory gains.
Final message — partner early, act now
The first 1000 days are a window of opportunity. At Answer for Autism, our Early Start Program combines neuroscience, play-based therapy, and parent empowerment to give your child the best possible start. Early intervention today can change life-long developmental trajectories tomorrow.
Book Your Child’s Screening Today
Answer for Autism – Early Start Program
- Address: Mohali / Chandigarh
- Phone: +91 7834832870
- WhatsApp: +91 7834832870